How to Get an Arizona Motorcycle License

If you live in Arizona and want to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads, you’ll need a valid motorcycle endorsement.

Arizona offers the motorcycle endorsement as a Class M Motorcycle-Only license or as an endorsement added on to your standard car driver’s license.

Learn about all the requirement below.

Overview of AZ Motorcycle License Requirements

To apply for a standard Arizona motorcycle license, you must be at least 16 years old.          

If you already hold a driver’s license, the motorcycle license can be added as an endorsement.     

If you are under 18 years old, you will need to hold a motorcycle instruction permit for at least 6 months before applying and complete either a motorcycle safety course of log at least 30 hours of practice.

To receive an Arizona motorcycle license, you’ll need to visit the MVD and:

• Fill out an application.
• Pass a written knowledge test.
• Pass a skills test.
• Pass a vision exam.
• Pay the application and testing fees.
• Provide proof of your identity, residency, and legal presence. 

NOTE: If the motorcycle you use for your skills test is less than 100 ccs your license will be a restricted J license. J Restriction motorcycle licenses are not able to drive on interstate highways and are restricted to operating small displacement motorcycles.

Arizona Motorcycle License Expiration Dates

Just like an Arizona driver’s license, an AZ motorcycle license does not expire until you turn 65 years old.

A new photo and eye exam is required every 12 years.

If you are 60 years old or older or a temporary resident, you will receive a 5 year license.

Visit https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicle-services for official application information and to schedule appointments at your local MVD office.

Arizona Basic RiderCourse

New riders in Arizona can choose to complete their testing requirements with an approved Basic RiderCourse.

The course will administer your written test and riding evaluation, as well as teach you the fundamentals of riding a motorcycle and motorcycle safety.

The courses last for about 15 hours, which consists of 10 hours of rider training and 5 hours of classroom work.

Most courses cost about $300 to $400.

Apply for an Arizona  Motorcycle Instruction Permit

Motorcyclists under 18 years old must apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit before receiving a standard Class M license/endorsement.

To apply for an Arizona motorcycle permit:

• You’ll need to be at least 15 ½ years old.
• Visit an Arizona MVD office.
• Pass a vision test. 
• Pass a written test based on the Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual.
• Pay the motorcycle permit application and testing fees.

Arizona motorcycle permits are valid for 7 months, and can be renewed once within 2 years.

AZ Motorcycle Permit Rules

While you hold a permit, you will need to complete an MVD-approved motorcycle training course OR log at least 30 hours of riding practice before you are eligible to receive your full Class M motorcycle license.

With an Arizona motorcycle permit:

• You cannot carry passengers.
• You cannot drive on freeways or interstate highways. 
• You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise.
• You cannot drive at any time when there is not enough visibility to clearly see 500 feet ahead.

Transfer Your Motorcycle License When You Move to Arizona

If you already have an out-of-state motorcycle license, you will not need to retake a motorcycle safety course or apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit.

Depending on the state you are moving from, you may be required to take a skills test. 

Once you’ve received your Arizona motorcycle license, return to MotorcycleZombies.com to find out how to register and title your bike.

Arizona Motorcycle License Tests

New riders will first need to pass the necessary written test to get a motorcycle license, permit, or endorsement.

These include:

• The motorcycle written test based on information in the Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual.
• The driver’s license written test based on information in the Driver’s License Manual, if you plan to apply for a standard driver’s license as well.

After satisfying any application and permit requirements, you’ll then need to take the motorcycle skills test.

In Arizona, the skills test lasts 10 to 15 minutes and requires you to complete a variety of riding skills.

All skills test require an appointment, and may be cancelled for safety reasons if temperatures exceed 105 degrees.

Refer to the list bellow for the MVD offices that offer motorcycle skills tests:

• Bullhead City
• Casa Grande
• Cottonwood
• Flagstaff
• Glendale
• Kingman
• Lake Havasu City
• Prescott
• Safford
• Sierra Vista
• Mesa/Gilbert (SE Regional)
• Tucson Regional
• Yuma

How Much Does it Costs to Get a Motorcycle License in AZ?

The fees for an Arizona motorcycle license may include:

• Instruction Permit: $7.
• Motorcycle Endorsement: $7.
• Motorcycle Only License:
  • 16-39 years old: $25.
  • 40-44 years old: $20.
  • 45-49 years old: $15.
  • 50+ or 5-year license: $10.